SV29 - Supervision of Lazy Rivers
| Issue Date | Effective Date | Version |
|---|---|---|
| 20/01/2018 | 01/09/2019 | 1.0 |
Purpose
To provide guidance on the supervision of lazy rivers at an aquatic facility.
Description
Moving water provides an exciting environment for both children and adults. A lazy river is defined as water with flow rates less than 1.5 metres per second.
Turbulence
Turbulent water provides greater potential risk to users than still water and as such requires increased supervision levels.
Turbulence can also create turbidity thereby reducing water clarity, which may reduce the lifeguards’ ability to effectively supervise the area.
Water Velocity
Flow rates of water less than 1.5 metres per second are recommended as adults can normally maintain a footing on slip-resistant flooring when standing in waist depth water at these velocities.
Children may find water velocities above 1.0 metres per second unsafe under some conditions, even in shallow water.
Sightlines
Due to the nature of river design, lifeguards will need to be mobile to maintain sightlines to users as they move in the river.
Restricted sightlines may require a higher level of supervision.
User Movement
Users should be requested to move through a river without stopping as a moving person impacting a stationary person may result in injury.
Users stopping within a river may indicate a person is in difficulty and as such appropriate action may be necessary.
Lifeguards should have easy access to rescue equipment specific to a flowing water environment including, but not limited to, throw bags and reach poles.
References
- Lifeguarding, 3rd Edition 2001, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Mosby, Sydney
- Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools, 3rd Edition, 2003, Sport England Publications, Wetherby.
- Swimming Pool Supervision Guidelines and Recommended Standard, 1996, Hillary Commission, Wellington
- The Use of Play Equipment & Water Features in Swimming Pools, 1994, ISRM, Melton Mowbray
- Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation, 2nd Edition, 2004, Lifesaving
Previous Versions
- Guideline SU19 Supervision of Rivers, Issue 1, July 1996
